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With Aaron previewing the National Conference, I am taking on the American Conference. Let's start out West:
Phoenix Riders
A 15-1 regular season had most experts picking the Riders to win it all. However, they didn't even make the Stevens Cup after being upset by the Memphis Admirals. So you would expect the Riders to maybe make a few changes to the roster to make sure it doesn't happen again, or maybe just keep the core they had together for another run. Well....not exactly.
The Riders let running back Fernando Perkins leave for free-agency. The three RBs on the roster are Al Castellanos, Hugh Samuels and Hardy Stevenson. Ever heard of them? Me neither. The trio combined for 416 yards last season. Perkins rushed for 1,700. So to say the running game is a "question mark" going into the season, is an understatement.
Still intact however is the great Phoenix passing game lead by QB Carl Reese and WR Sammy Slade. Reese joined the Riders last season in week 5. In 11 regular season games, without familiarity with the offense or the receivers, he had a 98.8 QB rating. He could be even better in 2012. All five starters from the offensive line remain, so even if they have to leave heavier on the passing game this season, I think the offense will still be good.
The defense is all-league. Expect a breakout year for third-year defensive end Isaac Andrews. He has 18 career sacks in his first two seasons. Some expect him to put up near 18 in this season alone.
To sum it all up, the Riders should have no problem repeating as AC West champs. And don't forget, this is a team not afraid to make a splash after two years in a row of blockbuster trades (WR Sammy Slade and QB Carl Reese), who says they can't make a third for a RB if the ground game isn't rolling?
Los Alamos Monsters
The Monsters are one of the most consistent teams in the league as well as inconsistent. I know, I know, confusing. Let me explain.
Consistency. In 2009 the Monster went 7-9, in 2010 they went 8-8, in 2011, yes, 8-8. Since 2007, the team has gone either 5-7 or 6-6 in conference. Again, consistent. The offense features QB Adrian Hermon, the same starting QB for the past six seasons...that's right since league inception.
Inconsistency. This is about the 50th general manager in franchise history. BMerryman takes over the club right before pre-season. Let's hope he does a little better than the previous GMs did.
The offense returns Hermon, 1,000 yard rusher Marshall Fontaine, and a pair of solid WRs in Paul Marchion and Orlando Rolle. In fact, every starter from last season is back on offense, except at the position of fullback.
The big change is on defense. BMerryman is switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and will have an influx of new players at new positions. This includes two rookie linebackers starting. Definitely a year in transition defensively.
For a franchise that has never had a winning record, maybe change is good?
Denver Grizzlies
Gone are the days of 13-3 and making it to the playoffs. What is also gone is a ton of talent from last years team. The Grizzlies were hit hard in the off-season. First was all-time Grizzlies sack leader Casey Vines bolting to Memphis. Then, RT Dave Schlafly, the teams 6th pick in the inaugural draft, bolted for San Fransisco. Also, the other bookend tackle, he also left to San Fransisco. Also gone is the leading rusher from 2008, 2009 and 2010, Warren Bryant, who was in the doghouse all last season with head coach Roger Kinney.
Now for some good news. The Grizzlies did land a top notch Tight End in the draft. Ben Schneider is 6'4 258 of solid muscle. He should not only help QB Jamie Scroggins as a big target in the passing game, but he should also help block for 1,200 yard rusher Donnie Hadavi who entertained FA, but decided to return to Denver.
The defense is lead by MLB Donovan Bauer and two of the leagues best corners in Donnell Burke and Ronald Hoover. The defense should be solid again, but with the changes on offense, this will probably be a down year in Denver.
Utah Bees
From 2007 to 2010, Utah was one of the leagues best teams. 2011 was a struggle for the Bees that I don't expect to see in 2012.
The entire team basically returns. The offense has arguably the best trio of receivers in TE Chuck Nalen and WRs Danny Viola and Chestor Quinteros. The new pieces on offense are bruising rookie RB Quinn Hanson and QB Bryce Foy. Foy, acquired in a trade from Las Vegas, is expected to have a career season with all that talent around him on offense. Hanson came into camp at 230lbs. A powerful runner who also showed he is a great receiver in the Texas Tech Red Raiders passing attack.
On defense, new GM Murdock has them switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4, which should really help WLB Winston Chernetsky who struggled from leaving the 3-4 in Portland for the past two seasons in Utah.
AC West Prediction
1. Phoenix
2. Utah
3. Los Alamos
4. Denver
I think Phoenix is going to be near the top of the league again, but this division will be better top to bottom. I think Utah and Los Alamos could both challenge for a wildcard spot.
Phoenix Riders
A 15-1 regular season had most experts picking the Riders to win it all. However, they didn't even make the Stevens Cup after being upset by the Memphis Admirals. So you would expect the Riders to maybe make a few changes to the roster to make sure it doesn't happen again, or maybe just keep the core they had together for another run. Well....not exactly.
The Riders let running back Fernando Perkins leave for free-agency. The three RBs on the roster are Al Castellanos, Hugh Samuels and Hardy Stevenson. Ever heard of them? Me neither. The trio combined for 416 yards last season. Perkins rushed for 1,700. So to say the running game is a "question mark" going into the season, is an understatement.
Still intact however is the great Phoenix passing game lead by QB Carl Reese and WR Sammy Slade. Reese joined the Riders last season in week 5. In 11 regular season games, without familiarity with the offense or the receivers, he had a 98.8 QB rating. He could be even better in 2012. All five starters from the offensive line remain, so even if they have to leave heavier on the passing game this season, I think the offense will still be good.
The defense is all-league. Expect a breakout year for third-year defensive end Isaac Andrews. He has 18 career sacks in his first two seasons. Some expect him to put up near 18 in this season alone.
To sum it all up, the Riders should have no problem repeating as AC West champs. And don't forget, this is a team not afraid to make a splash after two years in a row of blockbuster trades (WR Sammy Slade and QB Carl Reese), who says they can't make a third for a RB if the ground game isn't rolling?
Los Alamos Monsters
The Monsters are one of the most consistent teams in the league as well as inconsistent. I know, I know, confusing. Let me explain.
Consistency. In 2009 the Monster went 7-9, in 2010 they went 8-8, in 2011, yes, 8-8. Since 2007, the team has gone either 5-7 or 6-6 in conference. Again, consistent. The offense features QB Adrian Hermon, the same starting QB for the past six seasons...that's right since league inception.
Inconsistency. This is about the 50th general manager in franchise history. BMerryman takes over the club right before pre-season. Let's hope he does a little better than the previous GMs did.
The offense returns Hermon, 1,000 yard rusher Marshall Fontaine, and a pair of solid WRs in Paul Marchion and Orlando Rolle. In fact, every starter from last season is back on offense, except at the position of fullback.
The big change is on defense. BMerryman is switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and will have an influx of new players at new positions. This includes two rookie linebackers starting. Definitely a year in transition defensively.
For a franchise that has never had a winning record, maybe change is good?
Denver Grizzlies
Gone are the days of 13-3 and making it to the playoffs. What is also gone is a ton of talent from last years team. The Grizzlies were hit hard in the off-season. First was all-time Grizzlies sack leader Casey Vines bolting to Memphis. Then, RT Dave Schlafly, the teams 6th pick in the inaugural draft, bolted for San Fransisco. Also, the other bookend tackle, he also left to San Fransisco. Also gone is the leading rusher from 2008, 2009 and 2010, Warren Bryant, who was in the doghouse all last season with head coach Roger Kinney.
Now for some good news. The Grizzlies did land a top notch Tight End in the draft. Ben Schneider is 6'4 258 of solid muscle. He should not only help QB Jamie Scroggins as a big target in the passing game, but he should also help block for 1,200 yard rusher Donnie Hadavi who entertained FA, but decided to return to Denver.
The defense is lead by MLB Donovan Bauer and two of the leagues best corners in Donnell Burke and Ronald Hoover. The defense should be solid again, but with the changes on offense, this will probably be a down year in Denver.
Utah Bees
From 2007 to 2010, Utah was one of the leagues best teams. 2011 was a struggle for the Bees that I don't expect to see in 2012.
The entire team basically returns. The offense has arguably the best trio of receivers in TE Chuck Nalen and WRs Danny Viola and Chestor Quinteros. The new pieces on offense are bruising rookie RB Quinn Hanson and QB Bryce Foy. Foy, acquired in a trade from Las Vegas, is expected to have a career season with all that talent around him on offense. Hanson came into camp at 230lbs. A powerful runner who also showed he is a great receiver in the Texas Tech Red Raiders passing attack.
On defense, new GM Murdock has them switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4, which should really help WLB Winston Chernetsky who struggled from leaving the 3-4 in Portland for the past two seasons in Utah.
AC West Prediction
1. Phoenix
2. Utah
3. Los Alamos
4. Denver
I think Phoenix is going to be near the top of the league again, but this division will be better top to bottom. I think Utah and Los Alamos could both challenge for a wildcard spot.
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